You are a work of art, God’s masterpiece! There is no one exactly like you, has never been anyone exactly like you, or will never be another you! Just like no two snowflakes are alike, you are not like any other person. Why compare yourself to anyone else? The Bible says that people “comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12). God created you with a special combination of gifts, skills, physical attributes, and a personality to fulfill a purpose that only you can fulfill. Your purpose is unlike any one else’s which is the reason you should not compare yourself. Celebrate your uniqueness and do not make comparisons!

Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14

In order to get what others do not have you’ve got to be willing to be set apart and do what others do not do. In essence, you’ve got to be willing to go down the road less traveled. Doing what others are not willing to do often involves a degree of loneliness, discipline, and trust in God. Many people want to experience success but are not willing to go through the necessary challenges associated with that success. A person may want to lose weight but not want to experience the discipline of dieting and exercise. An individual may want a promotion but not want to go through the pain associated with working hard to obtain it. Finally, a person may want to be a successful business owner but not want to trust God to step out on their dream. While it is true that the less traveled road may seem difficult, God promised that He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). God is always with you, even in the hard times. Remember that the Bible says that you can do all things through Christ with strengtheneth you (Philippians 4:13). Do things out of the ordinary and obtain extraordinary results!

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9God is in control! Even when we think we are in control, He is ultimately in control. While it is true that God has given us authority here in this earth (Genesis 1:26 and Luke 10:19), we would not even have it if He did not give it to us. Additionally, even Jesus said that it was Father God in Him that “doeth the works” (John 14:10). We have authority but God has the power. When things seem to be spinning out of control in our lives, often the temptation is for us to take hold of the reins to gain control again. We must remember though if we are in need of something the Bible states that “the earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). Additionally, if we are having problems with someone we must remember God states, ”Behold I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me” (Jeremiah 32:27)? Take comfort in knowing that God is in control in your life financially, physically, relationally, emotionally, mentally, and in every other area. His desire is always to do you good!

In the Bible, we see Gentiles receiving the favor of God based on their faith in God’s grace. Ruth was a Moabite woman who eventually conceived Obed who was the grandfather of David through whose lineage the Messiah Jesus Christ came (Ruth 1:4 and Ruth 4:17). Think of that for a moment, a non Jew or Gentile was in the lineage of Jesus Christ! Also consider the Roman centurion that told Jesus that He did not need to come to his home to heal his servant but to speak the word that his servant might be healed (Matthew 8:9). The Bible records that “when Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Matthew 8:10). This is the first time Jesus used the term great faith for anyone and when He did, it was for a non Jew. Another time, a Canaanite woman asked Jesus to heal her daughter, initially Jesus was not receptive to fulfilling her request but she was persistent and He commented, “O woman, great is thy faith” (Matthew 15:22-28). The only two people in the Gospels that Jesus said had great faith were Gentiles. These Gentiles represent God’s grace. Grace allows us to freely receive the promises of God. It is not dependent on our good works or memorizing a set of rules. The Bible calls the law in the Old Testament the “ministration of death” (2 Corinthians 3:7) but states that “it is of faith, that it might be by grace” (Romans 4:16). We receive all the great promises of God through faith in His grace. In each of the cases above in which Jesus said the people had great faith, they received God’s gift of healing for their loved ones. Don’t count on your works or follow a set of rules to receive from God, but rely on His grace!

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6:16

Have you ever tried to rest or wanted to rest and thought “what is that problem I was worried about?” It is as if when you try to rest, you are immediately reminded of that situation that is causing problems in your life. This is a ploy and tactic of the enemy. He does not want you to rest but to be reminded of the problem in your life. You can have a thousand things going right in your life but he will remind you of the one thing that is wrong as you try to sit down and rest. Don’t fall for his tricks! Rest knowing that “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28). You don’t need to worry at all because God is working that situation out for your good at this very moment. Hebrews 4:3 notes that “we which believed do enter into rest.” Believe God is working the situation out and enter into His rest and peace!

And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. Matthew 14:29-30

It has often been stated that when Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus, as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus he was able to walk on the water. That is a true statement. Something else that has been noted about this story is that Peter took his eyes off Jesus when the wind picked up or a storm began. Various pastors have noted that Peter would not have been able to walk on the water without Jesus on a calm day, so the storm should have made no difference or affected his faith in terms of walking on the water. The same is true in our own lives. Often we have faith to overcome or to walk in the supernatural until a storm shows up in our lives. During those times, it is important to remember that the same God that was present before the storm is also present during the storm and we can continue to do the impossible because “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Sometimes we may even reason that God cannot possibly help us because we have sinned in some way and even caused the storm. Always remember that it is God who works things together for good in our lives on our “holiest” day and when we fall short as well. God is not constrained by the storm or our sin. Continue to keep your eyes on Jesus and walk in the supernatural every time!

When it is evening, ye say, [it will be] fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, [it will be] foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring…ye can discern the face of the sky, but can ye not discern the signs of the times? Matthew 16:2-3

There was recently a winter storm in the Midwest and virtually everyone prepared before it came. Based on the meteorologists’ predictions that there would be bad weather, people prepared well in advance in terms of stocking up on food, water, and ensuring that pressing tasks were completed before the storm hit. People checked their cars to ensure they were properly winterized and some even made plans to stay off the roads the day the storm was due to hit. The Bible calls God’s word incorruptible seed that lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23). God has given us many promises in His word and has even spoken specific individual promises to each of our hearts. If we can make extensive preparations based on the word of a man, why can’t we make extensive preparations regarding our healing, prosperity, or peace based on the word of God? Prepare yourself based not on the word of a man but the word of God!

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

On the news recently, all the violence and murders in Chicago was discussed. One of the individuals being interviewed about the violence noted that “gang members look for insecurities” when they are recruiting new members. Today’s passage of Scripture in 1 Peter 5:8 states that the devil seeks who he can devour. Satan looks for weaknesses in terms of insecurities or fears we may harbor. It could be a fear of disapproval that drives a person to seek acceptance, a fear of poverty that causes one to gain finances by any means, or a fear of failure that drives a person to take unnecessary risks. First, it is important for us not to harbor insecurities knowing that we are “complete in Him” (Colossians 2:10). People that know they are complete do not harbor insecurities because they don’t feel the need to compare themselves to others. It is also important for us to “put on the whole armour of God” mentioned in Ephesians 6:14-17 and to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10-11). Having a close relationship with God and depending on His power will help you overcome any of the enemy’s attacks!

Get accustomed to being in God’s presence. Praying and studying God’s word should not be viewed as a chore. Often we do not spend the time we should in God’s word or prayer because it seems like work. Spending time with God should come as easily as brushing your teeth every morning. Being in God’s presence should be like spending time with a close friend. Jesus said that “I have called you friends” (John 15:15). Establish a habit of spending time with your closest friend, God, on a daily basis and your life is certain to never be the same!

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:43

So often we seek the approval of people more than the approval of God. This may occur for a number of reasons. Often it just makes us feel better to garner the approval of people we can see as opposed to a God we cannot see. Also the rejection of a parent, friend, or loved one early in life may contribute to the desire for human approval later in life. This need for approval may result in performing for others in terms of our career choices, spousal selection, and many other things. We begin careers that we are not even passionate about simply to gain the approval of people and because they are socially acceptable. When we don’t receive the approval we desire, often we are tempted to become despondent or seek more desperately to gain that desired approval. As we walk along our Christian journey, we need to become more concerned about performing for an audience of one rather than an audience of many. Romans 8:31 is clear that “if God be for us, who can be against us” anyway? The only opinion that ultimately matters and carries weight is God’s! As we work, volunteer, or serve others, let us ignore the large visible audience and perform for an invisible audience of one!

I want to say thank you for saving my life! The young lady I spoke with gave me the greatest thing needed and prayed with me, sincerely prayed with me! I'm back on track with Jesus and continue to say thank you for you all and His grace and salvation! Because of Him y'all were able to save me!! Thank you again! God bless. -Kursten Britton

Morris Purnell

Click below to hear the powerful audio interview of a man that overcame the temptation to commit suicide and is now a Pastor.

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I want to say thank you for saving my life! The young lady I spoke with gave me the greatest thing needed and prayed with me, sincerely prayed with me! I'm back on track with Jesus and continue to say thank you for you all and His grace and salvation! Because of Him y'all were able to save me!! Thank you again! God bless.

-Kursten Britton

Thank you. I am doing very well compared to 1 year ago. That is due to God's grace and His reminder I was given a second chance. I do not lose sight of that. Keep doing what you are doing. God Bless all of you.